Tony Veitch home searched by police

Police have seized items belonging to Tony Veitch after a search was conducted on his Herne Bay house today.

Plain clothes police officers emerged from Veitch's home this afternoon, one of them carrying a large white file box, and left after executing a search warrant.

Veitch's former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell has alleged he assaulted her in January 2006 and police have been investigating since she laid a formal complaint last month.

Veitch resigned from his roles at Radio Sport and TVNZ after almost a fortnight of speculation over the incident.

Veitch's lawyer, Stuart Grieve QC, refused to confirm a search warrant had been issued, saying his practise was not to make any comment on cases he was involved in without the permission of his clients.

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty told the Herald police executed a search warrant on a Herne Bay address this morning. She said Veitch and his wife Zoe Halford were home at the time and cooperated fully.

Outside the house was parked the black Audi TT coupe sports car of Veitch's employment lawyer, Douglas Alderslade, who was already inside. Later, top defence lawyer, Mr Grieve arrived in another black Audi and also went inside.

After about an hour both lawyers left. Neither would comment.

Last December, Veitch met a senior TVNZ lawyer and executives Jeff Latch, Anthony Flannery and Peter Parussini and told them about the incident.

There are questions about exactly what he said but TVNZ said it was not reported to chief executive Rick Ellis.

TVNZ chairman Sir John Anderson has written a report for Broadcasting Minister Trevor Mallard.

Veitch agreed to pay Dunne-Powell $150,000 compensation last December after nearly three months of negotiations.

He also agreed to make a further $5000 contribution to a women's anti-violence group.